#33 The Business of Talent with Scott Kaufman: Inside Media, Sales, and Representation

In this insightful and wide-ranging episode of The Padernacht Podcast: Brick by Brick, Steven Padernacht sits down with Scott Kaufman, Vice President of Alternative at Buchwald and a seasoned media and entertainment executive who has spent nearly two decades helping talent build lasting, profitable careers.

From growing up on Long Island to navigating the early grind of unpaid internships, cold-call sales jobs, and relentless hustle, Scott shares a raw and honest look at what it really takes to break into media and representation. He opens up about the lessons learned from rejection, integrity in sales, and why mastering communication, storytelling, and listening became the foundation of his success.

Scott walks through his unconventional journey—from selling radio ads across Long Island to working on film sets for free, and eventually rising to a leadership role at one of the most respected talent agencies in the business. Along the way, he explains how discipline, humility, and relationship-building separate short-term wins from long-term careers.
Steven and Scott dive deep into the realities of the entertainment industry, personal branding, sales psychology, and why integrity still matters in a high-stakes, ego-driven world. They also unpack the importance of mentorship, learning the fundamentals, and betting on yourself when the path isn’t clear.

They discuss:

🎙️ Breaking into media and entertainment without a roadmap
 📞 How cold-calling and rejection build elite business skills
 🧠 Why communication and listening are the real superpowers in sales
 🎬 The transition from unpaid work to real opportunity
 💼 Building long-term careers for talent in media, sports, and entertainment
 📈 Personal branding, integrity, and sustaining success in competitive industries

This episode is more than a career story — it’s a masterclass in patience, persistence, and professionalism. Whether you’re trying to break into entertainment, build a sales career, or level up your personal brand, Scott’s journey proves that nothing is overnight — it’s built brick by brick.

🎧 Tune in now for an honest conversation on hustle, storytelling, and building careers that last.

🔗 Connect with Scott Kaufman:
💼 Buchwald: https://www.buchwald.com

🎙️ Host: Steven Padernacht
🎥 Produced by: Cai Vision Productions

 🎙️ Subscribe to The Padernacht Podcast: Brick by Brick for more inspiring stories of real people creating impact and building a better future — one brick at a time.